A09339:4195
A Golden Chain
A golden chain: or The description of theology containing the order of the causes of salvation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view whereof is to be seen in the table annexed. Hereunto is adjoined the order which M. Theodore Beza used in comforting afflicted consciences.A golden chaine: or The description of theologie containing the order of the causes of saluation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view whereof is to be seene in the table annexed. Hereunto is adioyned the order which M. Theodore Beza vsed in comforting afflicted consciences.
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1600Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1600
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The second thing required, is the knowledge of the judicial sentence of the law, which resolutely pronounceth that a curse is due to man for every sin, Gal. 3.10. Very few are resolved of the truth of this point, and very few do unfeignedly believe it, because mens minds are possessed with a contrary opinion, that though they sin against God, yet they shall escape death & damnation. David saith, The wicked man (that is, every man naturally) blesseth himself. ⟨p. 901⟩Psal. 10.3. and he maketh a league with hell and death, Esa. 28.15. This appeareth also by experience. Let the ministers of the Gospel reprove sin, and denounce Gods judgements against it, according to the •ule of Gods word, yet men will not fear: stones will almost as soon move in the walls, and the pillars of our Churches, as the flinty hearts of men. And the reason hereof is, because their minds are forestalled with this absurd conceit, that they are not in danger of the wrath of God, though they offend. And the opinion of our common people is hereunto answerable, who think, that if they have a good meaning, and do no man hurt, God will have them excused both in this life and in the day of judgement.
The second thing required, is the knowledge of the iudiciall sentence of the law, which resolutely pronounceth that a curse is due to man for euery sinne, Gal. 3.10. Very few are resolued of the truth of this point, and very few doe vnfainedly beleeue it, because mens minds are possessed with a contrarie opinion, that though they sinne against God, yet they shall escape death & damnation. Dauid saith, The wicked man (that is, euery man naturally) blesseth himselfe. ⟨p. 901⟩Psal. 10.3. and he maketh a league with hell and death, Esa. 28.15